Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

PLB strengthens on trade and independent division

Published: 31 January, 2013

PLB has made five appointments to its specialist division focused on the UK on-trade and independent sectors.

Majestic posts Christmas sales rise

Published: 08 January, 2013

Majestic Wine chief executive Steve Lewis has described the Christmas trading season as "challenging", despite posting a rise in sales.

Looking back on 2012 for the wine trade: part 2

Published: 19 December, 2012

Ready for the next instalment of what's gone on in the wine trade in 2012?

Majestic Wine profits grow as customer numbers jump

Published: 19 November, 2012

Majestic Wine's profits are up by 3.9%, driven by an 11.2% jump in customer numbers, according the the group's half year results to October 1, 2012.

England's newest vineyard to target export market

Published: 09 October, 2012

The owners of Domaine de Sainte Rose in France have bought 35 hectares in East Kent with the view of targeting its sparkling wines at the export market.

WineStars Twist selects Argentinian wineries

Published: 20 September, 2012

Eleven Argentinian wineries looking for UK distribution have been shortlisted in a competition to gain listings with independent and multiple retailers in the UK on and off-trade.

WineStars initiative returns with a Twist

Published: 03 September, 2012

WineStars, the initiative launched at the LIWF that helped unrepresented producers showcase their wines in front of a panel of judges, is to return to the Wines of Argentina Annual Trade Tasting.

Retailers question data showing slowdown in alcohol sales online

Published: 24 August, 2012

Data showing a slowdown in the rate of alcohol sales online compared with other sectors does not hold true, say a number of major online wine retailers.

Pernod Ricard's festive marketing plans revealed

Published: 17 August, 2012

In part two of Harpers' report on Pernod Ricard UK's festive plans for 2012, we take a look at what the drinks giant will be doing to promote its leading brands this Christmas.

Free delivery on orders over £40 from Corks Out

Published: 17 July, 2012

Independent wine merchant Corks Out will offer free national delivery for orders with a value of £40 or over.

Indies object to Majestic tactics

Published: 11 July, 2012

Independent wine merchants are becoming increasingly agitated by what they see as Majestic's "disgraceful" promotional tactics to take more of their market share.

Maison Lillet introduces Lillet Rosé

Published: 20 June, 2012

Bordeaux producer Maison Lillet has launched Lillet Rosé, its first new product for 50 years, which is being marketed as a fine wine rosé apéritif.

Majestic boss Steve Lewis on record sales figures

Published: 19 June, 2012

Majestic Wine has just announced pre-tax profit gains of 14.5% - Gemma McKenna catches up with chief executive Steve Lewis to find out the nitty gritty behind the figures.

Record results from Majestic Wine despite challenging economy

Published: 18 June, 2012

Majestic Wine has grown sales by 8.9% to £280 million, with like-for-likes up 2.6% in the year to April 2, 2012.

Sud de France Festival returns to London

Published: 15 June, 2012

Throughout this month the Sud de France Festival will be celebrating the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, the largest wine-producing region of France.

Majestic mobile website launch sees increase in traffic

Published: 28 May, 2012

Majestic's recently launched mobile commerce site has seen a 60% increase in store page views during its first two weeks.

Argentina's wine exports to UK rocket

Published: 25 May, 2012

Argentinian wine exports to the UK have rocketed by 25% in value and 12% in volume in the first three months of the year.

Harpers Awards 2012 winners

Published: 23 May, 2012

Bibendum, Majestic, Sainsbury's, The Sampler, Tanner's, Jose Pizarro and Pollen Street Social were some of the big name winners at last night's inaugural Harpers Awards.